Bliss in the Bath: Exploring the Benefits of CBD Bath Bombs

CBD bath bombs are unique topical cannabis products that can help with muscle tension, relaxation, and even skin health — plus, they smell great and look pretty while you use them. From promoting comfort to giving yourself an at-home spa day, there’s a lot that these CBD-infused bath products bring.

What Are CBD Bath Bombs and How Do They Work? 

CBD bath bombs are products that are designed to dissolve when placed into water, releasing the cannabidiol compound and various aromas or other soothing ingredients. 

As the cannabinoids are released, they make their way into the skin where they’re absorbed. However, with products like CBD bath bombs, they don’t cross the blood-brain barrier and reach the bloodstream like edibles or tinctures would. Instead, they enter the body through skin cells, providing results to the skin, muscles, and joints.

Since CBD bath bombs don’t enter the bloodstream, they aren’t going to create the same effects as other products, either. CBD products that enter the bloodstream will affect the whole body by working alongside the cannabinoid receptors to achieve proper regulation.   

However, CBD topicals like bath bombs work to target more specific areas for localized relief. The human body has CB2 cannabinoid receptors in various areas, including the skin. It’s important to note that CBD does not interact with CB2 receptors but it can interact with other non-cannabinoid receptors on the skin that may help modulate pain and inflammation. So, when you sit in a nice bath full of infused CBD, the cannabinoids will work to support those receptors, helping your body get the balance it needs. These pain-relieving results happen quickly, typically within just a few minutes.

Effects & Benefits: What to Expect from CBD Bath Bombs

Every person is going to experience slightly different effects and benefits from CBD bath bombs. That’s because CBD works in ways that will specifically support your body and its functions. Here are some examples. 

Promoting Comfort 

CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties that many people find helpful for easing their sore or aching muscles and joints. When enjoyed within a bath bomb, CBD’s soothing properties can help reduce pain in several places throughout the body — it just depends on where you need it.

Many people find that CBD bath bombs are great after a strenuous workout when the body is feeling stiff and uncomfortable. The anti-inflammatory properties can work to reduce certain levels of inflammation in muscles and joints, creating feelings of relief and comfort — especially when paired with the hot water of your bath. 

It’s worth noting that some CBD bath bombs are curated specifically for pain relief. If you’re interested in this benefit explicitly, make sure to find bath bombs with these pain-relieving purposes for the best results. 

“Immersing oneself into a CBD infused bath is an excellent way to relieve generalized aches and pains. Many of my patients like to use CBD bath bombs after an intense workout, a long work week, or when they are experiencing flu-like symptoms. CBD is more water soluble than other cannabinoids and can be an optimal cannabinoid to use in water,” says Eloise Theisen, a board-certified geriatric nurse with 20 years of experience.

“There is little risk with using a CBD infused bath bomb and the benefits can include decreased stress, muscle tension, pain, itching, and inflammation,” Theisen finishes.

Reducing Stress

CBD bath bombs are a great way to reduce those high stress levels in your mind and body. In general, baths tend to be quite soothing for people, as the warm water can reduce muscle tension and even promote a sense of tranquility. Plus, self-care is always a great way to decompress.

Many brands choose to make their CBD bath bombs with specific essential oils, as well. Essential oils with therapeutic properties can work synergistically with CBD to promote soothing, relaxing effects via aromatherapy. 

Lavender essential oils, for example, contain calming properties of terpenes like linalool. Linalool (also found in cannabis) promotes anti-anxiety properties that complement CBD’s anxiolytic (anti-anxiety effect) characteristics, as well.

Supporting the Skin

CBD bath bombs target the skin all throughout the body (since you’re, you know, submerged in water). This is a wonderful way to get full-body support if you have dry, cracked, or sensitive skin.

CBD is well-known for its hydrating and soothing properties on the skin. Many people find that CBD helps their skin feel more rejuvenated and moisturized, and this is due to the way that cannabidiol supports the skin’s barrier function. So, if you’re finding that your skin is feeling dry and irritated — especially during the cold weather months — a CBD bath bomb may be a great way to relieve that itchiness.

Along with being hydrating, CBD and its anti-inflammatory properties are great for red, irritated, and inflamed parts of the skin. The cannabinoid may help your skin feel more soothed in certain spots, and you may even find reduced redness.

Finally, CBD’s antioxidant properties can help your skin feel more protected and healthy, thanks to its ability to regulate free radicals and prevent the skin from being affected by other stressors. 

Are There Side Effects to CBD Bath Bombs?

For the most part, CBD products are regarded as quite safe. CBD bath bombs, specifically, don’t pose much risk because you’re not consuming them.

Instead, the biggest risk that comes from CBD bath bombs is your skin having a poor reaction to the CBD or the ingredients within the bath bombs. If you put a CBD bath bomb into your bath and notice that your skin is feeling itchy or irritated, or it’s beginning to look red, this is a huge sign that these products aren’t for you. Immediately drain the bath and wash yourself off with clean water to prevent the product from irritating your skin further. 

All in all, if you are wondering whether or not you can use CBD bath bombs, you most likely can. These gentle products are unlike any other CBD products on the market, operating in a completely unique way to provide you with a calming experience that anyone could benefit from. The next time you’re planning to treat yourself to a self-care day, make sure to include some time for a CBD bath bomb soak for total comfort. 

Are There Different Types of CBD Bath Bombs?

There are so many different types of CBD bath bombs on the market today. So much so, it may feel a little bit daunting trying to figure out what’s what. So, let’s break them down for you.

Essentially, you’re going to come across CBD bath bombs with full-spectrum extract, broad-spectrum extract, or CBD isolate in them. This refers to the type of CBD extract used to infuse the product.

Full-spectrum CBD bath bombs are going to contain high levels of CBD, as well as other minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and trace (legal) amounts of THC. These types of bath bombs are best for those seeking the most comprehensive relief possible, as cannabinoids like CBD and THC work best synergistically. When they’re all paired together, the results are fuller and better than ever.

However, if you are looking to experience these widespread therapeutic benefits but don’t want any THC in your bath bomb, that’s okay! That’s what broad-spectrum CBD bath bombs are for. Broad-spectrum bath bombs contain CBD, minor cannabinoids, and terpenes — but absolutely no THC. 

With these products, you can get all the benefits of the many components of the hemp plant without worrying about having any THC on the skin. (Though, keep in mind that the THC cannabinoid won’t actually make it into your bloodstream with products of these types. So, even if you had a THC bath bomb, you won’t get high.)  

Finally, you may also come across CBD isolate bath bombs. CBD isolate bath bombs contain pure CBD and nothing else — no other cannabinoids or terpenes. These bath bombs will still have other aromas and essential oils, but they aren’t going to have the support of other hemp components. If you just want to see how CBD and only CBD works for your skin, CBD isolate bath bombs may be the right choice for you. 

How to Find the Best CBD Bath Bombs for You

With how many CBD bath bombs are available on the market, it can be tough to figure out which type is best for you — and which products are the highest quality.

First things first, you should determine what kind of CBD extract you want to use in your CBD bath bomb (if this is something that matters to you). If you don’t mind THC, a full-spectrum bath bomb is best. If you don’t want your product to have THC, but you need something with strong results, a broad-spectrum CBD bath bomb may be the right choice. But, if you just want to see how CBD works for you, pure CBD isolate bath bombs will be ideal for you.

After establishing your ideal extract blend, it’s time to go shopping. When you come across a CBD bath bomb brand that appeals to you, it’s best to do some research on the brand to ensure they’re reputable. Do they have good customer reviews? Does the brand list all of the ingredients in their bath bombs? Are they open about extraction methods and hemp sourcing? 

A reputable CBD brand is going to have as much information available as possible about how they operate and what kind of ingredients they use. They will also have updated copies of their products’ certificates of analysis available on their website. These COAs demonstrate the cannabinoid levels within products like CBD bath bombs; they also illustrate whether or not the product has been sent off to a third party to be tested for impurities.

If you cannot find a COA for your CBD bath bomb, or the COA looks outdated or is missing information, this is the biggest sign to move on to a different — better — CBD bath bomb brand. And, trust us, there are plenty of great options to choose from. 

Adding a CBD Bath Bomb to Your Next At-Home Spa Day 

So, is a CBD bath bomb the right CBD product for you? If you’re someone who enjoys self-care, relaxation, and treating your body to some TLC (and maybe occasionally some THC), then CBD bath bombs are amazing options. These products are gentle, easy to use, and don’t require consumption, making them perfect for anyone who is a little hesitant about stepping into the world of cannabidiol.